Wednesday, June 30, 2010

[FamilyofGod] Holding Too Tightly

 

Holding Too Tightly





KEY PASSAGE: Luke 12:13-21  

SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 18:20 | John 19:12

SUMMARY:

God is the Source of every blessing.

Some people recognize this and know how to handle the good things He gives. They worship the Giver, not His gifts. Other people hold too tightly to the blessings He sends. They sacrifice for them, plan their lives around them, and think about them constantly. Their relationships with God suffer as they pursue more and more of what they treasure. As a result, the Lord sometimes has to strip away those blessings.

The Life Principle here is that anything you hold too tightly, you will lose. It is illustrated by the parable of the rich man in Luke 12:13-21. As his wealth increased, so did his pride and self-sufficiency. Ultimately, his arrogance cost him his life, and his riches were taken away.

SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES:

Life is more than living for yourself.

In this parable, God gave the rich man abundant provisions. But he didn't think to acknowledge the Lord as his Source. In his arrogance, he planned to store his grain and take life easy—and as a result, God took his life that very night (Luke 12:13-21). Jesus told this parable to warn the people, "Be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions" (Luke 12:15). It is foolish to ignore God and think only of what we can experience, achieve, or accumulate.

I remember a story about an elderly man who asked his grandson what he planned to do with his life. The young man said he wanted to have getan education, find a well-paying job, and then become wealthy. His ultimate goal was to retire and enjoy life. The grandfather asked, "What then?" The young man had never considered what would happen after his death. When our earthly lives are over, we must all be prepared to give an account of ourselves to the Lord.

What do people hold too tightly?

Relationships. A definite way to destroy a relationship is to try to control someone. No one wants to lose his or her freedom.

Goals and Dreams. We should ask the Lord to show us what goals to pursue and keep Him first as we work toward them.

The Past. One of the most destructive things you can hold on to is your past, especially if it is full of unforgiveness, bitterness, or resentment.

Old Hurts. All of us have been mistreated at one time or another. Surrender those difficulties, heartaches, and problems to the Lord. If you try to live with them, you will lose your joy and peace.

Wrong Ideas and Perceptions. Some people cling to incorrect theology because it is what their parents or other authority figures taught them. But every concept should be submitted to the Word of God.

Timing. You and I must learn to surrender to God's schedule.

Something Valuable. What do you treasure most? Maybe you think of your spouse or children. Perhaps your home, an expensive automobile, or another costly possession comes to mind. But be careful not to make them into idols—all of these things can be taken away.

Biblical Examples

Judas wanted Jesus to overthrow the Roman government. With his betrayal, Judas hoped to force Christ to take military action and set up an earthly kingdom.

Pilate treasured his career. He agreed to have Jesus crucified because he feared losing his political position.

King Saul wanted to keep the kingdom for himself. As a result, He relentlessly pursued David, who had been anointed as the next king. Despite Saul's efforts, the kingdom eventually passed to David and his descendants.

Peter refused to believe that Jesus had to die. He tried to protect the Lord, even when his support hindered Christ's divine mission.

Potiphar's wife lusted after Joseph. She should have simply enjoyed his capable leadership and sought to be his friend. But she forfeited all interaction with him when her false accusations put him in jail.

The children of Israel wanted more than one day's worth of manna. When they tried to hoard it for the future, it always spoiled.

Why do people hold things too tightly?

Fear of Loss. Remember that if God gives you something, He can guard it for you.

Failure to Trust God. When we start to love His gifts more than we love Him, we will always suffer. You and I may not always lose what we cling to. Instead, we may forfeit something far more precious, such as healthy relationships with our family, or our contentment and joy.

Pride. We can grasp positions, possessions, or prominence in a way that deeply hurts others.

Wrong Sense of Values. Many people place too much importance on worldly goals, such as accumulating wealth. Don't let anything ruin your relationship with God.

Jealousy. Do you ever wish you could take someone's place? Perhaps have their beauty, position, or possessions? Most likely, you wouldn't be prepared for it. God gives each of us what we are equipped to handle.

What is God's perspective?

When you and I prioritize anything other than our relationships with the Lord, He sees it as competition. God will target whatever comes between us and Him. He may allow us to experience brokenness so that we turn back to Him. He doesn't want anything to interfere with our fellowship with Him.

How can you release your grip?

Begin by recognizing that God is not first in your life. Then ask Him: How much of my time, thoughts, or energy do I put towards this item, position, or person? Acknowledge that there is an idol in your life—that you spend more time and energy thinking about something other than the Lord. Finally, decide to put everything in its proper place. Let Jesus be first, and He will help you arrange all other priorities.

CONCLUSION:

Is the Lord the most important Person in your life? Do you submit your decisions to Him on a regular basis? He has a wonderful purpose and plan for you, but you will never experience His best if you are focused on other objectives.

I pray that you will make the Lord your top priority. Open your hands and let Him have what you have been holding. He may not even take it away—He may simply realign your thinking. The most valuable thing in your life is your relationship with Him. When you allow God to be number one in your life, the blessings will flow beyond comprehension.

We should live respectively, sensitive to the accountability of discipleship. We should wear our work clothes and keep the lamps burning, looking for the Lord's return by serving him faithfully.

Love & Prayers,

Michael J. Knight.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/A-C-T-S/

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and I could say, "I used everything that you gave me."

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[FamilyofGod] Prayer and support

 

I would like to ask my internet family for prayer. I have decided to give up refined sugars; they have been doing some weird things with my digestive system and I would like to give up food that has refined sugars in them, like candy and cake. I know this is going to be hard; but this is something that I have to do. I would like prayer that I will be able to accomplish this goal, as well as some support for accomplishing this goal.

God Bless
Jamie

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[FamilyofGod] Why?

 

Why do we blame God when storms hit or when one gets sick or dies? Why is it so hard to beleive that God is all good and the devil is all bad? The devil is the cause of all bad things that happen , but God can always make a way out of everything for those who love him and ask him, trust him.

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[FamilyofGod] understanding the book of Romans

 



Understanding the Book of Romans: Righteousness by Faith in Christ

The book of Romans is the great doctrinal treatise that forms the foundation of the Christian faith and clearly sets forth that salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ. Many people are overburdened by sin because they erroneously think it puts their salvation in doubt. Christians who believe in Christ think that if they commit sin, then God will not allow them to live forever. The New Testament teaches a great message of blessing and hope that when a person has faith in Christ, he or she is righteous in the eyes of God, that is, he or she has "right standing" with God.

To be righteous in God's sight was the great desire of God's people in the Old Testament, and Deuteronomy 6:25 says that if the Jews were careful to obey all the Law they would be righteous. Because "righteousness" was so important to the Jews and such a big part of the Old Testament, Romans couches what believers have from God as "righteousness," instead of the more well-known word, "salvation." Now, after the death and resurrection of Christ, people are righteous in God's sight by faith in Christ alone. In this teaching, John Schoenheit covers what "righteousness" is, how it was obtained during Old Testament times, how it is obtained today, how it relates to "salvation," and why so many Christians ignore the testimony of Romans and seek right standing with God by trying to do good works.


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Experiential Truths of Spiritual Warfare

Experiential Truths of Spiritual Warfare


Latest update

Posted: 30 Jun 2010 04:02 AM PDT

It's been some time since I posted anything on my blog, although there was an article I wrote recently on the paradoxical truth on masturbation which I removed because I wasn't sure if I should post it or not. I am certain that I will repost it in the near future. For those of your receiving my feeds, you will have seen it as a result of my posting then retraction.

Recently I have been moving through phases in my deliverance which have caused me considerable stress and anxiety and I have chosen to cool things off on the blog so that I could focus on what I was experiencing. Certainly, I will be posting in the near future but for now I have been absorbing alot in my internet research and trying to assimilate and process it. I thank all of you for your constructive feedback. Sorry to hear that some of you are telling me to get a life. In truth, that is exactly what I am hoping for from my faith and I hope to reveal more to you as time goes by. Thanks for taking the time to read my articles.

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Re: [FamilyofGod] What do you SEE?

 

yes if your heart is open to seeing things as God sees themyou would weep too.  i was watching some kids coming home from school one day and noticed they didn't have socks on.  i mentioned it to a couple people and they ignored me so  i went to this little flee market down the road and bought a bunch of socks that were offrun socks.  i fixed the socks and started giving them to the kids.  God just opened the door for me to talk to them.
 
GOD IS LOVE
wanda
Prov.28:13- he that covereth his sin shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them , shall have mercy.



From: Michael J. Knight <michaelnight82@yahoo.in>
To: FamilyofGod@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, June 30, 2010 6:12:59 AM
Subject: [FamilyofGod] What do you SEE?

 

What do you SEE?

I read about a man the other day who just returned from a visit to Niagara where he lived in Clifton Hotel close to the Falls. While there, he had an experience that I would like to share with you.   

When first arriving there, he was very much annoyed and disturbed by the noise of the waterfalls. He could hardly hear any sound besides this "roar." But as time went on, he grew accustomed to it. Believe it or not - it had become quite quiet to him.   

This account brings me to a Scripture in the Bible that I feel led of the Lord to share with you today. It is found in Acts 17:16 and says - "Now while Paul waited for them (Silas and Timothy) at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry."  

This verse tells us that Paul "saw" something and, resultantly, had a definite reaction to what he "saw."

Now, we have to understand that there were many other people in Athens at the time who saw the very same things that Paul did, yet they experienced "no reaction" - at least not like his.

This verse tells us that his "spirit" was "stirred." That means that his spirit was provoked...his mind was excited...his soul was troubled...and his heart was grieved. In other words, he was greatly upset.

Now, remember, no one else in the crowd was "feeling" what Paul was "feeling."

What was it that he "saw" that upset him so?

Acts 17:16 explains - "when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry."  Athens was a city that was full of temples and idols. It far exceeded others in the worship of gods. More idols were there than in all the rest of Greece combined.  In fact, it was said of Athens that you could more easily find a god there than a man. This place was addicted to idolatry - having altars even to such things as Mercy, Shame, Fame, Desire, and Rumor.  

Paul's spirit was moved to the deepest depths when he saw the evidence of gross idolatry to which this city was devoted. He was also exasperated to see God so dishonored and robbed of the homage due His Name. 

Throughout the Bible, we find others who were also affected by what they "saw" happening in their world around them.

Exodus 32:19 says - "And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot..."

Numbers 25:6-7 says - "And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel...And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar...saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand."

Psalm 119:158 says - "I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not Thy word."

Mark 11:11 and 15 says - "And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when He had looked round about upon all things...began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves."  

Mark 11:13-14 says - "And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, if haply He might find any thing thereon: and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves...And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever..."

Luke 19:41 says - "And when He (Jesus) was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it."

John 11:33 says - "When Jesus therefore saw her (Mary)weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled."

2 Peter 2:7-8 says - "...Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)"

Whether it was Paul grieved in his spirit at seeing Athens totally given over to idolatry...Moses angry at seeing the golden calf... Phinehas provoked at seeing an Israelite bring a Midianitish woman into the camp when they were experiencing judgement from God for that very sin...the Psalmist grieved at beholding sinners blatantly breaking God's laws...Jesus upset at seeing His Father's house become a "den of thieves," Israel missing her God-given assignment to bear "fruit" for the nations, or suffering humanity like Mary and Martha at the tomb of their brother Lazarus...or Lot vexed in his soul after seeing the filthy deeds of the wicked - each one had a REACTION of some sort following what they "saw" !

There are two questions that the Holy Ghost wants to ask each and every one of you - O Saint of God, what do you "see" and what sort of reaction - if any - is it causing in you? 

Paul's spirit was "stirred" when he saw the city of Athens given over to idolatry.

What about you? When you look around and "see" what's happening in your world, what is "stirring" your "spirit" - what is troubling you, grieving you, or making you upset?

Or have you become like the man who grew accustomed to the "roar" of the Niagara Falls? The "sound" didn't annoy or disturb him any more. In fact, it actually became quiet after a period of time where it didn't bother him in the least.

The Holy Ghost wants you to "see" what's going on in your world. He doesn't want you to grow accustomed to the evil or suffering around you, but to be upset about what you are "seeing" - so upset that it provokes a reaction in you -  to weep, pray, fast, warn, cry out, preach and teach.

To God be Glory.

Love & Prayers,

Michael J. Knight.

http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/A-C- T-S/

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and I could say, "I used everything that you gave me."

 

 


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[FamilyofGod] history of God's chosen city

 

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Home :: The Word Speaks :: Teaching Archive :: Jerusalem: The History of God's Chosen City

Product 128/312


Jerusalem: The History of God's Chosen City

by Rev. Vince Finnegan 6/21/2010

Notes:
Genesis 14:18 - The priest of the Most High God and the King of Salem are a shadowy type for Jerusalem and the reign of the Messiah. "Salem" means peace. The word "Jerusalem" in the original is in the dual form and means "possession of peace" or "foundation of peace." The dual form probably refers to the two mountains, Zion and Moriah, on which it was built.

Exodus 15:17 and 18 The mountain of Your inheritance the place Yahweh made for His dwelling

Deuteronomy 12:5, 6, 10, 11 and 26 Before Israel entered the Promised Land, God told them about the place but did not identify the specific location.

Deuteronomy 15:19 and 20 The firstling offering was to be eaten at this place.

Deuteronomy 16:2, 6 The Passover was to be sacrificed in this place.

Deuteronomy 16:11 All the people of Israel were to rejoice before God at this place.

Deuteronomy 16:16 The three major feasts were to be kept in this place.

Deuteronomy 17:8 and 9 Judgment of the high priest or judge was to be done at this place.

Deuteronomy 18:6 The priests and Levites would minister out from this place.

Deuteronomy 31:10-12 Every seven years, the Law was to be read to all Israel from this place.

During the time of Joshua, when the children of Israel entered the Promised Land, the city of Jerusalem was never taken. The Jebusites occupied it during the 450 years of Judges and during the 40 year reign of King Saul.

David finally took the city, once he was anointed king over all Israel, and he prepared a tent and brought the ark of God to Jerusalem.

1Chronicles 23:24-32 Solomon built the temple in this place.

Jeremiah 9:12-14; 19:7-9; and 21:10 Moses and all the prophets foretold of the destruction of Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar did destroy the city. During the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, it was rebuilt.

Luke 19:42-44 Jesus foretold of the destruction of Jerusalem.

Zechariah 14:3-5 Christ will come back to the Mount of Olives to take the city of Jerusalem, and all the saints will come with him. When he comes back, an earthquake will split the Mount of Olives in two.

Psalms 110:2; 72:8, 11; Daniel 7:13 and 14 Out of Jerusalem, Jesus the Messiah will begin to rule all the nations of the world.

Revelation 21:10-22:7 After the millennial Kingdom, a new Jerusalem will come down out of heaven.

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